Good article from?Chris R. Armstrong exploring the church’s response to the workplace.
Armstrong argues persuasively that churches, and pastors and leaders in particular, can help by articulating a robust theology of work that demonstrates how work connects with God:
- Work as a graced activity benefiting all
- Work as a place of self-expression
- Work as a place of formation
Armstrong includes some very powerful quotes:
- ‘In the almost 30 years of my professional career,?my church has never once suggested that there be?any type of accounting of my on-the-job ministry?to others. … There has never been an inquiry into?the types of ethical decisions I must face, or?whether I seek to communicate the faith to my?co-workers. I have never been in a congregation?where there was any type of public affirmation?of a ministry in my career [as a sales manager].?In short, I must conclude that my church really?doesn?t have the least interest in whether or how
I minister in my daily work.’ [David Miller]
- ‘My pastor always talks about profit as if it were?greed. Well, that shows they know nothing at all?about how the business world works. So when the?pastor preaches sermons on this, he always tells me?to do things that are useless in terms of the value?I provide to society. If I started doing the things?my pastor suggests, it would ruin my business,?and then I wouldn?t provide jobs, good service for?customers, and useful products, so the function
I?m filling in society would cease to exist.’ [Will Messenger]
Murray Wright, 16 February 2014